Publisher's Summary

In 1854, Victorian miners fought a deadly battle under the flag of the Southern Cross at the Eureka Stockade. Though brief and doomed to fail, the battle is legend in both our history and in the Australian mind. Henry Lawson wrote poems about it, its symbolic flag is still raised, and even the nineteenth-century visitor Mark Twain called it: "a strike for liberty". Was this rebellion a fledgling nation’s first attempt to assert its independence under colonial rule? Or was it merely rabble-rousing by unruly miners determined not to pay their taxes?

In his inimitable style, Peter FitzSimons gets into the hearts and minds of those on the battlefield, and those behind the scenes, bringing to life Australian legends on both sides of the rebellion.

An accurate and entertaining retelling of a defining era of Australian History. An in depth and fascinating look at Australia's Gold Rush era and all the trials and tribulations that came with it before the unpleasant circumstances unfold in what was a poignant moment in Australia's short history. The narration is fantastic. Enthusiastic yet easy to listen to, with his accents and occasional drama in his voice make you feel like you're actually there.

A truly wonderful book, both historically and as a story. I'm sure I will listen to it again. Politically the events changed Australia and the courage of both the diggers along with some editors of newspapers is humbling. The fact that power can corrupt is demonstrated in events which took place during these years in the Colony, though many in authority also shone as examples of honesty, courage and decency. I would urge Schools to use this valuable writing (along with the audio) in their History lessons today.The narrator adds greatly to the wonder of the book by his obvious love of the story, many of the characters and the varied English dialects.

What an amazing story which should be listened to by every Australian. A story I would unlikely have read but via audible I was able to digest, become fully engrossed and fully appreciate the moment and movement that was Eureka. Thank you P Fitzsimons for taking the time to craft this story.

I thoroughly enjoyed this audio book. It really put my ideas and wonders in place. I didn't really know the full story of the Eureka Uprising and what happened from the build up and beyond. The narrator put me there, in Ballarat and respect those gallant diggers more so now than I ever did before. I truly felt their pain. Thankyou

Well written account of this inspiring story.For the most part I enjoyed the narration but the experience was somewhat spoiled by the narrator's poor attempts to mimic the accents of the characters.All-in-all still one of my favourites.

Thank you @Peter_Fitz , What a fantastic, well written book, loved it.My 1st ebook experience, with the dulcet tones of Robert, reading has never been more enjoyable. Peter, my Dad was a Rat & your Tobruk book was equally captivating. I am looking forward to reading Gallipoli as I received it as a gift for Xmas. Love your work.Pez ☺❤😊👍💖⭐👊😂🔨🚧✌

As an Englishman born and Australian by choice I had heard of this story but never knew much about it. Peter Fitzsimmons does an excellent telling of a story that defines Australia,

What did you like best about this story?

Great Characters

What about Robert Meldrum’s performance did you like?

Does the story great justice in the telling

Any additional comments?

Peter Fitzsimmons books are well worth being in many book libraries. He leads in telling stories with immense detail.

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

jason

perth, Australia

12/04/13

Overall

Performance

Story

"Give the diggers a go!"

I really enjoyed this book, mostly because i consider myself an australian patriot. And because the history of australian democracy just well might have been a boring story, if it wasn't for the union of hard done by gold diggers standing up against the incompetent brittish governor of victoria, the unfair treatment of diggers and the ludicrous gold licence fees. The savage brutality of the red coats is absolutely appalling. A good book for any one interested in the facts of the bloody eureka stockade. Another great book by peter fitzsimons

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

deon

merredin, Australia

15/01/13

Overall

Performance

Story

"All Australian should read"

What made the experience of listening to Eureka the most enjoyable?

gave me and insight into why it happened something that is not told as a kid growing up.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

yes

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Mr

North Fremantle, Australia

24/01/13

Overall

Performance

Story

"A gentle telling"

History told through the eyes of people. This book gives a solid understanding and a genuine sympathy for all those involved. Not a stuffy list of dates and facts, or a caricature of good Vs. bad.

2 of 3 people found this review helpful

Henry

5/06/16

Overall

Performance

Story

"inspirational in political meaning."

Inspirational for those who cherish the struggles and victories of people willing to sacrifice for liberty and egalitarian justice.

0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Lionel Letcher

Frankston

13/04/16

Overall

Performance

Story

"Valuable"

Fitzsimons unlocks the past concerning the Eureka Stockdale and the development of democracy in Australia in a thoroughly inspiring way. This book makes one feel proud to be an Aussie.

0 of 0 people found this review helpful

David Willmot

Beenleigh, Queensland Australia

27/09/13

Overall

Performance

Story

"History for all young Australains"

This is one of the best audio books I have listened to. Detailed history I never new existed. A must for all aged though

0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Travis

Regency downs, Australia

11/03/13

Overall

Performance

Story

"fantastic"

What made the experience of listening to Eureka the most enjoyable?

True Aussie history

What did you like best about this story?

Australian history told by an Australian and Australian way

Have you listened to any of Robert Meldrum’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

Just as good as all the others

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Yes

Any additional comments?

Great book written by great author told by great narrator

0 of 0 people found this review helpful

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Sandy

16/08/14

Overall

Performance

Story

"Golden moments in time"

Where does Eureka rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

Pretty much near the top of any FitzSimons book I've listened to so far

What did you like best about this story?

I live within an hour of Ballarat so to hear a lot of names that still survive and feature in the region was great. Another well researched piece of history on and about the effects on early society

0 of 0 people found this review helpful

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